Below Average
#2311 of 2,846 schools in PA
Swatara MS
Middle School · Central Dauphin SD
1101 Highland St, Steelton, PA 17113
Enrollment
644
Student-Teacher
13.4:1
Score
4.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
644
Student-Teacher
13.4:1
Score
4.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#2,311 of 2,846
In Steelton
#2 of 4
public schools
In district
#16 of 19
Central Dauphin SD
Shortlisting around Swatara MS?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Swatara MS
Middle School in Steelton · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Tri-community EL Sch
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Steelton-highspire HS
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Swatara MS
Swatara MS is a public middle school in Steelton, PA, part of Central Dauphin SD. Swatara MS serves approximately 644 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 13.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Swatara MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #2,311 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Swatara MS show 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.5 · Below Average
- District avg 4.9
- PA avg 5.4
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Swatara MS — Students at Swatara MS score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 36 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.1/10.
How Swatara MS Compares
See how Swatara MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1101 Highland St, Steelton, PA 17113
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Swatara MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Marshall Academy (rated 4.7/10, 2.5 miles away, in nearby Harrisburg), with a very similar rating. Another option is Marshall Math Science Academy (rated 2.7/10, 2.5 miles away, in nearby Harrisburg), a more accessible option. Additionally, Susquehanna Twp MS (rated 2.3/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Harrisburg), a more accessible option. For more schools in Steelton, see our Steelton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Tri-Community El Sch Steelton | 0.4 mi | 4.6 |
| Steelton-Highspire HS Steelton | 0.7 mi | 2.7 |
| ST CATHERINE LABOURE SCHOOL Harrisburg | 1.3 mi | 7.3 |
| THE SAMUEL SCHOOL Harrisburg | 1.0 mi | — |
| Steelton-Highspire El Sch Steelton | 1.1 mi | 2.7 |
| Lawnton El Sch Harrisburg | 1.5 mi | 4.4 |
| THE CIRCLE SCHOOL Harrisburg | 1.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Paxtang El Sch Harrisburg | 1.6 mi | 4.6 |
| Reach Cyber CS Harrisburg | 2.2 mi | 5.4 |
| HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTRY SCHOOL Harrisburg | 2.2 mi | 7.5 |
| Marshall Math Science Academy Harrisburg | 2.5 mi | 2.7 |
| Marshall Academy Harrisburg | 2.5 mi | 4.7 |
| South Side El Sch Harrisburg | 2.8 mi | 4.2 |
| Kunkel El Sch Middletown | 2.3 mi | 7.4 |
| Harrisburg HS Harrisburg | 2.6 mi | 3.6 |
| MERAKEY EDUCATION & AUTISM CENTER Harrisburg | 2.9 mi | — |
| Melrose Sch Harrisburg | 2.5 mi | 4.6 |
| Chambers Hill El Sch Harrisburg | 2.4 mi | 4.6 |
| BISHOP MCDEVITT HIGH SCHOOL Harrisburg | 2.8 mi | 6.7 |
| Susquehanna Twp MS Harrisburg | 3.0 mi | 2.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 17113 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$60,554
Median Home Value
$141,300
Median Rent
$1,091/mo
Population
11,786
College Educated
14.8%
Homeownership
59.7%
Avg Commute
18.5 min
Poverty Rate
16.4%
Median Age
39.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Camp Curtin Academy Harrisburg, PA | 4.5 |
| Chartiers Valley MS Bridgeville, PA | 4.5 |
| East Pennsboro Area MS Enola, PA | 4.5 |
| Feltonville Sch of Arts & Sciences Philadelphia, PA | 4.5 |
| Jackson MS Lancaster, PA | 4.5 |
| North Hills El Sch York, PA | 4.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Swatara MS
What grades does Swatara MS serve?
Swatara MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Swatara MS?
Swatara MS has an enrollment of approximately 644 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Swatara MS?
The student-teacher ratio at Swatara MS is 13.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Swatara MS rank in PA?
Swatara MS ranks #2,311 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Swatara MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Swatara MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Swatara MS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Swatara MS has 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Swatara MS a charter school?
No, Swatara MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Swatara MS a Title I school?
No, Swatara MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Swatara MS?
100.0% of students at Swatara MS qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 644
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 48
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Dauphin County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 19.7%
- Phone
- (717) 939-9363
Resources & Links
District
Central Dauphin SD- District Enrollment
- 12,543
- Schools in District
- 19
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,486
- District Rank
- #16 of 19
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.